How to hit ball on the rise?

Question

Can some one tell me hw to hit ball on the rise?

Whenever I hit forehand I tend to wait for the ball and many times I move backward instead of moving forward. I tried to move forward to take the ball on the rise but it did not work. moving backward is just like embedded in my brain and I almost always tend to move back. This puts me in very awkward situation when some one hits with top spin. since i dont know how to hit the ball on the rise, i found my self in defensive situation.

Please let me know hw to make the transition from waiting for the ball to the moving forward and hiting the ball on the rise.

Thank you.

Answer 1

why would you move backward? maybe you are an attacker at the net? do you watch the ball since the moment your opponent hit the ball and time the ball bouncing and rising on your court?

try this:

- stand in the middle of your court

- ask your coach or friend to hit the ball to your forehand side about a bit to the front of where you're standing

- when the ball leaves the opponent racquet, draw an "imaginary line" from where you're standing perpendicular to the ball path of flight. this line is where you want to run to meet the ball.

- learn to time the ball. watch the ball as it crosses the net and begin your steps on the "imaginary line" and start to backswing your racquet

- when the ball bounces, start the forward swing

- time for the impact so that when the ball rises, your racquet is at your side, ready to touch the ball

- hit the ball on the rise, just block the ball by swinging the racquet forward only halfway than your normal swing

- aim to the sidelines. hit it down-the-line. just for practice to make sure you can pass the ball over the net. later you can learn to "dip" the ball to the net or hit it cross-court or even lob to the baseline.

- practice this until you really understand the correct timing to hit the ball on the rise.

- when you're ready, practice with same position but different ball path of flight: ball comes to the backhand side, ball comes to baseline. then try to stand in different positions: at the net and at the baseline. vary your training until you can return the ball harder and harder from any position.

- you may also try pounding volleys if the time is right and surprise your opponent (no need to wait until the ball bounces and rises)

good luck and hope this helps :)

Answer 2

first, you should always be in motion. always be jumping in place a little and split step often, this will give you more time to move to the ball and keeps you alert.

i've found that when tracking the ball its better to run to the ball but then when you can, kind of side step around it so its easier to get under the ball. tracking the ball with your left hand helps as well.

stay on the baseline for the most part, unless your going in to put pressure on with volleys b/c those deep balls can be tricky sometimes.

Answer 3

its not that hard, it just takes practice. the best way to hit the ball on the rise in to stand on the baseline. do not move back and only move foward if you have too. if you keep on doing this, you will start hitting the ball on the rise in no time.